Development of a Multi‐Element Copper‐Phosphorus‐Based Electrode for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

• Published in: ChemistrySelect (Weinheim) Vol. 8; no. 25
• Main Authors: Wei, Mingyi, Wang, Qingqing, Zhang, Wenqing, Zhang, Quansheng, Xie, Jingying
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 07-07-2023
• Subjects: anodic dissolution; copper-phosphorus alloy; heterostructure; hydrogen evolution reaction; transition metal phosphides
• ISSN: 2365-6549; 2365-6549
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.202301099

The development of efficient, abundant, and inexpensive catalytic materials for hydrogen evolution is key to industrial water electrolysis for hydrogen production. In this study, we utilized an anodic dissolution method to form a layer of gray film on the surface of a commercially available copper‐phosphorus alloy plate. The composition of the gray film, as verified by characterization, was Ni2P/Ni12P5/Sn4P3/Cu3P@Cu. The heterogeneous interface of Ni2P/Ni12P5 and the amorphous structure of Sn4P3/Cu3P provide more exposed active sites. The effectiveness of the Ni2P/Ni12P5/Sn4P3/Cu3P@Cu as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution was demonstrated, with a corresponding hydrogen evolution overpotential of 73.10 mV and Tafel slope of 45.55 mV dec−1. Moreover, the outstanding stability of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) after 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles in an alkaline medium infers its favorable electrocatalytic durability.
An industrializable electrode made of copper phosphorus alloy. Amorphous metal phosphides improve electrocatalytic activity. The heterojunctions lead to the reconfiguration of electronic structure.